MENU
SEARCHWould would make it easier to determine whether a bus or truck driver is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle for failing to comply with federal drug and alcohol regulations, including mandatory testing.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed a rule to establish a drug and alcohol clearinghouse for all national commercial driver's license (CDL) holders.
The clearinghouse would help improve roadway safety by making it easier to determine whether a bus or truck driver is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle for failing to comply with federal drug and alcohol regulations, including mandatory testing.
Current federal regulations require employers to conduct mandatory pre-employment screening of a CDL driver's qualifications based upon his or her driving record. However, there has not been a single federal repository recording positive drug and alcohol tests by CDL holders that employers would be able to search to ensure that the driver is able to perform safety-sensitive duties.
The proposed rule would create such a repository and require employers to conduct pre-employment searches for all new CDL drivers and annual searches on current drivers.
"We are leveraging technology to create a one-stop verification point to help companies hire drug and alcohol-free drivers," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "This proposal moves us further down the road toward improving safety for truck and bus companies, commercial drivers and the motoring public everywhere."
Under the proposed rule, FMCSA-regulated bus and truck; medical review officers; substance abuse professionals; and private, third-party U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) drug and alcohol testing laboratories would be required to record information about a driver who:
Fails a drug and/or alcohol test.
Refuses to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test.
Successfully completes a substance abuse program and is legally qualified to return to duty.
Private, third-party U.S. DOT drug and alcohol testing laboratories also would be required to report summary information annually. This information would be used to help identify companies that do not have a testing program.
To ensure the privacy of drivers involved, each CDL holder would need to provide his or her consent, before an employer could access the clearinghouse.
Drivers who refuse to provide this information could still be employed by the bus or truck company; however, they could not occupy safety-sensitive positions, such as operating a commercial motor vehicle.
To view a copy of the Federal Register announcement, click here.
The first comprehensive overhaul of SEPTA’s bus network will expand frequent service, add routes, and phase in changes through 2027.
Read More →
In his first State of CDTA address as CEO, Frank Annicaro highlighted the organization’s continued focus on delivering reliable service, investing in innovation, and strengthening connections across the region.
Read More →
The agency is testing floor decals on select railcars to improve awareness of priority seating and support a more accessible transit experience.
Read More →
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
Read More →
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
Read More →
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
Read More →
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Read More →
The funding will ensure communities can expand transit options to meet increased demand for services around stadiums.
Read More →
John Obert previously served as regional sales manager for ENC since joining the company in June 2025.
Read More →
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
Read More →
